EP1694451B1 - Machine for the continuous production of welded wire mesh - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for the production of a continuous strip of wire mesh (100) using a single flexible metal wire (20) which is fed to the machine continuously. According to the invention, the mesh (100) is formed by repeating the same pattern with the metal wire in one plane, each pattern being stacked on the preceding pattern with a constant pitch offset in the axial direction of production. The inventive machine comprises: a metal wire storage stage; a stage for continuously supplying metal wire to the machine; a forming stage for shaping the wire into a succession of identical patterns; a transfer stage for successively moving said metal wire patterns to the mesh-forming plane; a stage for maintaining each pattern in one plane and for offsetting same by a constant pitch with the arrival of the following pattern; and a stage for fixing the patterns to one another. The invention also relates to the strip of mesh (100) thus formed and to the production method thereof.

Description

The present invention relates to a machine for continuously manufacturing a strip of wire mesh welded using a single wire, and a manufacturing method implemented via said machine, and finally the welded wire mesh monofilament got.

The fences thus formed offer a great variety of possible applications, especially because of their decorative appearance, and can be used in gardens or public squares, public or private houses and buildings, and generally in any type of construction. frequented by the man.

Currently, grids are generally produced by machines that use a plurality of longitudinal wires that are unwound and straightened in parallel, from several separate coils. The number of these coils is variable, and traditionally between eight and forty eight, depending on the size of the lattice or mesh, and in particular according to its width which is determined by the number of son. After the introduction of said parallel longitudinal son, secondary son are welded transversely at their point of intersection, using spot welding devices. The resulting lattice comprises rectangular or square meshes, the dimensions of which are a function of the spaces left between the longitudinal threads and the transverse secondary threads. Such meshes have of course always necessarily corners at right angles.

• le procédé de construction nécessite l'utilisation de plusieurs fils et bobines, ce qui requiert des équipements adaptés, et un espace conséquent disponible devant la machine de production. De plus, l'utilisation d'un grand nombre de fils et bobines en parallèle complique le procédé, et ralentit la production, notamment parce qu'il est nécessaire de redresser chaque fil et de contrôler l'opération de déroulement.
• Il n'est de plus pas possible de produire une grande variété de motifs ornementaux dans le maillage de ce grillage, puisqu'il ne permet la réalisation que de mailles carrées ou rectangulaires, à angles droits.

This construction technique has a number of disadvantages:

• the construction process requires the use of several wires and coils, which requires suitable equipment, and a large space available in front of the production machine. In addition, the use of a large number of son and coils in parallel complicates the process, and slows production, in particular because it is necessary to straighten each wire and control the unwinding operation.
• It is also not possible to produce a wide variety of ornamental patterns in the mesh of this grid, since it allows the realization of only square or rectangular meshes, at right angles.

On the contrary, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a very large variety of patterns for the meshes of the mesh. Said patterns are not limited to geometric figures having right angles, but may instead have arcs and rounded. This result is further obtained without the constraint of using in parallel a number of wires, but using a single thread. This reduces the technical equipment required for production, and greatly simplifies the manufacturing machine, while increasing the speed, capacity and variety of production.

Reducing the number of wires leads to a corollary reduction in the number of coils, and the space required upstream of the manufacturing machine. In general, the object of the invention is to provide a considerably simplified machine compared to its predecessors, and which allows to obtain an infinite variety of patterns for making the grid.

• un étage de stockage du fil métallique ;
• un étage d'alimentation en continu de la machine en fil métallique ;
• un étage de formage configurant ledit fil en une succession de motifs identiques ;
• un étage de transfert pour déplacer successivement chaque motif en fil métallique vers le plan de formation de la bande de grillage ;
• un étage pour maintenir chaque motif dans un plan et pour le décaler d'un pas constant avant l'arrivée du motif suivant ;
• un étage de fixation des motifs entre eux.

This machine makes it possible to manufacture a continuous strip of wire mesh by means of a single flexible metal wire which feeds it continuously, said grid consisting of the repetition in a plane of the same pattern of wire, each pattern being superimposed on the previous with a constant pitch shift in the axial direction of manufacture of the mesh strip. It includes for this purpose:

• a storage stage of the wire;
• a continuous feed stage of the wire machine;
• a forming stage configuring said wire in a succession of identical patterns;
• a transfer stage for successively moving each wire pattern to the formation plane of the wire mesh;
• a stage for holding each pattern in a plane and for shifting it by a constant pitch before the arrival of the next pattern;
• a stage for fixing the patterns between them.

Such a machine, already disclosed for example in the patent U.S. 2,684,087 differs from that of the invention in that, in the latter, the forming stage comprises a forming drum held fixed during the forming, around which is wound the wire. It is the turns resulting from the winding which constitute the basic reasons of the roasting. Although remaining fixed during the forming operation, this drum is pivotable relative to the forming axis, in order to increase the number of feasible patterns.

A simple winding around the forming drum is often not sufficient for the wire to take the shape of the wall or outer surface of the latter. Therefore, additional means for constraining the wire to conform to the shape of said drum are provided on the periphery of the latter, means whose movement is synchronized with the winding movement of the wire.

The synchronization is intended to ensure that the implementation of said means occurs at a convenient time with respect to the completion of each turn.

The machine of the invention additionally comprises a device for severing the toasting strip disposed downstream of the means for fixing the patterns to one another.

In fact, as for the machines of the prior art, the storage stage of the flexible wire simply consists of a coil of wire free in rotation in a support. This single coil occupies only a small space compared to the multiple coils often used so far.

• des moyens de redressement du fil, destinés à le rendre rectiligne,
• au moins une poulie de guidage du fil vers
• un dispositif rotatif d'enroulement autour d'un tambour.

The feed stage of the wire machine comprises successively:

• straightening means of the wire, intended to make it straight,
• at least one guide pulley of the wire towards
• a rotating device for winding around a drum.

After their completion, the turns do not remain wound around the forming drum, but are supported by the transfer stage, which consists of a coaxial unwinding drum at the forming drum and provided with helical threads, animated by a rotation movement synchronized with the winding speed of the wire which allows the dissociation of the turns forming the patterns of the wire.

Devices for depositing each turn on the grid formation plane are then arranged on the periphery of the uncoiling drum, at its end remote from the forming drum, the movement of these devices being also synchronized with that of said uncoiling drum .

In summary, after their forming, the turns forming the basic patterns of the mesh are dissociated from each other, then deposited in the same plane in which the constitution of the actual grid takes place.

The stage making it possible to keep each pattern in the grid forming plane and to shift it by a constant pitch before the arrival of the following pattern consists of a plurality of endless bands arranged in parallel and driven at the same speed, which is synchronized to the forming speed of the wire patterns, said strips having at regular intervals teeth for driving each pattern placed on the plane they form.

The speed of said bands influences in particular the spacing of the different patterns, and therefore the mesh, that is to say the shape and the surface of each mesh.

The basic patterns forming the grid are therefore positioned relative to each other, before being then fixed in said position. The fastening means of the wire motifs between them consist of at least one welding bridge disposed transversely to the scroll axis of the mesh, which may be preceded by a device for maintaining in contact with the patterns located in the same cross section. It should be noted that the welding can be achieved by at least one bridge, either in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction.

The roasting strip is then completed.

Since the general means constituting the roasting machine have been considered, it is now necessary to examine them in a more detailed manner.

Thus, the winding device comprises in particular a hollow rotary shaft through which the wire passes after guiding by at least one pulley directing said wire towards said shaft, whose output is equipped with a pulley reorienting the wire in a direction of radial path to an outer winding pulley whose axis forms an acute angle with the axis of rotation of the winding device. The circular displacement of this pulley has a radius greater than that of the winding drum.

Preferably, said winding device is driven by an electric motor.

The speed of this electric motor, as well as the positioning of the outer winding pulley, constitute in particular bases for the synchronization of the whole machine.

The forming drum is arranged coaxially with the winding device, in the extension of the hollow shaft.

Preferably, radial spring pusher retain the wire wrapped around the drum. They are intended to prevent the turns to relax around the static forming drum, before entering the next step.

As already noted, if the drum has no reentrant surface, a simple winding can be sufficient to achieve the final shape of the turns. In the opposite case, if it comprises at least one reentrant surface, that is to say concave surface, a corresponding number of devices intended to press the wire against said surface or surfaces is provided on the periphery of said drum, the movement of this or these devices then being synchronized to the speed transmitted by the winding motor.

According to one possibility, the device for pressing the wire against a concave surface, making it take the form of a re-entrant arc, consists of a rotary member with a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the drum and having a wing perpendicular to said axis whose outer edge is provided with means for guiding the wire and has a path which a section matches the shape of the concave surface.

Preferably, said wing comprises two sections, a first elliptical outer edge section provided with at least one guide roller of the wire, and a second section drawn in the continuity of the first, forming a circular arc and having a rim parallel to the axis of rotation provided with a guide groove, the rotation of the wire plating device being provided for the elliptical section to enter first into the concavity of the drum.

More preferably, the guide rollers of said elliptical section are a plurality distributed along its edge, a roller of larger diameter equipping the end of said section penetrating first in the concavity.

These plating devices are suitable when at least a portion of the outer wall of the forming drum has a concave surface. In the case of a simple recess, for example of groove type flaring outwards, the device for pressing the wire into said recess of the drum wall consists of a pusher whose removable head has a shape matching said recess, said head being movable in translation with a synchronized displacement at the winding speed.

In this case, according to a possible configuration, the pusher is controlled by a motor actuating, via a gear, a rack equipping the shaft at the end of which is fixed the head. Alternatively, the pusher may also be actuated by a piston or a linear motor.

At this stage of the manufacture of the mesh, each turn has the precise shape of the forming drum, and is ready to be moved to the forming plane of the grid, which it forms a base pattern. The turns are then dissociated by a uncoiling drum, and at least one fixed device for axial guidance of the turns is placed along and in the extension of said uncoiling drum. Said guidance is actually provided by at least one inner guide disposed opposite an outer guide. Each pair of guides defines a passage respecting the shape of each turn, and is arranged according to the threads of the uncoiling drum, at least in a place where the pattern has an outward projection.

At this stage, each basic pattern of the mesh (a uncoiled coil) is individualized and ready to be used for the manufacture of the mesh. The devices for depositing uncoiled turns on the grid formation plan then consist of worm shafts arranged at regular intervals at the periphery and in the axial extension of the uncoiling drum, said shafts being driven by synchronized electric motors. so that their actuation is successive and allow the smooth extraction of a turn forming a roasting pattern after another.

The turns being unwound by helical threads, they are presented at the output of the uncoiling drum and guide devices in a plane whose orientation is not strictly perpendicular to the axis of these devices. It is therefore preferable that the endless screws, which support each turn, are actuated successively individually or in groups, depending on the positioning of the portion of the turn they are responsible for.

Each turn or basic pattern of the grid is then deposited on the formation plane, which then proceeds by successive shifting of each pattern, and consists of a central chain and two side chains provided with driving teeth of said patterns, which are driven by motors synchronized with each other and with the motors of the worm gear devices.

Preferably, said chains are surmounted by a guide strip and fixed rigid protections, designed to maintain the relative positioning of the turns.

In addition, sliding plates are arranged under the mesh at the ends of the chains located remote from the pattern manufacturing system.

At this stage of manufacture, the grid is formed, but the basic patterns that form it are not attached to each other.

Said fastening is carried out by means of two transverse welding bridges operating in a vertical direction, each preceded by a holding bridge of the patterns forming the grid, each bridge being provided with two heads arranged on either side of the grid, each exerting an action in the direction of the other head.

Preferably, the heads of the holding bridges are removable and have respectively male and female relief corresponding to the patterns forming the grid, and allow interpenetration to press said patterns in contact with each other for welding.

At the welding, the turns are perfectly in contact with each other.

The solder bridges operate spot welding at least at some intersections of the patterns in a transverse direction, preferably two times corresponding to two transverse configurations of the points of intersection of the patterns forming the grid.

Indeed, the repetition of the basic patterns, simply offset from each other, often leads to two transverse configurations of alignment of the intersection points, therefore requiring the existence of two separate vertical welding bridges.

However, there may also be a welding bridge operating in a horizontal direction, by means of at least one pair of retractable heads insertable in two successive links of the mesh in the direction of travel of the latter.

It should be noted that the side chains extend to the first welding bridge, while the central chain extends to the second bridge.

The main element of this machine, because it determines the entire configuration of the mesh, remains the forming drum. This comprises a main body to which at least one additional volume can be fixed for modifying a portion of its outer forming wall.

This possibility results in considerably extending the variety of basic patterns of the grid that can be made.

Thus, in particular, the additional volume can be configured so that it fits into at least a concave surface portion of the drum wall to define a new outer wall portion, for example flat or convex.

It is also possible that said additional volume is configured such that it fits into at least a concave surface portion of the drum wall to define a new wall portion with a recess.

According to a possible configuration, the machine of the invention may comprise at least one additional coil of wire disposed next to the grid formation plane, the wire then being directed towards a face of the roasting strip being reoriented parallel to said scroll, and then attached to the wire mesh.

Preferably, the coils are two or four in number, the wires then being directed respectively towards one or both sides of the mesh strip.

The machine of the invention may also comprise a continuous axial drawing stage of at least a transverse portion of the mesh strip. According to one possibility, the stamping may be carried out in two transverse portions along the edges of the mesh strip.

The machine can of course be automated, using an electronic central machine management unit, whose parameters are adjustable using peripherals accessible to the user, said central unit processing signals from sensors signaling the instantaneous state of certain moving parts of the machine.

Preferably, the user-accessible devices consist of a screen and a keyboard.

More preferably, said CPU and peripherals are part of a microcomputer with a machine management program.

Finally, the elements of the machine on which sensors have been placed are the control members of the various rotary elements, namely the electric motors. These sensors provide information on the position and the speed of each of the engines, and the central unit, on which runs a program of management of the machine, realizes a relative synchronization of all these engines to lead to the operation of the machine as as described.

• bobinage du fil métallique autour d'un tambour de formage, chaque spire présentant alors un motif identique ;
• séparation des spires dans la direction de l'axe du tambour de formage ;
• dépose des spires sur un plan de formation du grillage orienté perpendiculairement audit axe du tambour de formage ;
• déplacement continu dudit plan, synchronisé avec les vitesses de bobinage, de séparation et de dépose des spires, pour créer un décalage entre les spires et former la succession des motifs répétitifs du grillage ; et - soudure d'au moins certains des points d'intersection desdits motifs.

As mentioned before, the invention does not only concern the machine for manufacturing the continuous roasting strip, but also a method for continuously manufacturing a strip of wire mesh using a single wire, comprising the following steps:

• winding the wire around a forming drum, each turn then having an identical pattern;
• separating the turns in the direction of the axis of the forming drum;
• depositing turns on a wire forming plane oriented perpendicularly to said axis of the forming drum;
• continuous displacement of said plane, synchronized with the speeds of winding, separation and removal of the turns, to create an offset between the turns and form the succession of repeating patterns of the mesh; and soldering at least some of the intersection points of said patterns.

• maintenir le tambour fixe pendant la réalisation du formage par enroulement du fil métallique autour dudit tambour ;
• contraindre le fil à épouser la forme du tambour à l'aide de moyens prévus en périphérie de ce dernier ; et
• synchroniser le mouvement de ces moyens au mouvement d'enroulement du fil autour du tambour.

This process is characterized by the following additional steps:

• maintaining the fixed drum during forming the winding of the wire around said drum;
• constraining the wire to conform to the shape of the drum by means provided on the periphery of the latter; and
• synchronize the movement of these means to the winding movement of the wire around the drum.

The characteristics of the manufacturing process of course reflect the aforementioned potentialities of the machine.

Thus, according to the method of the invention, and prior to the winding step for forming, the wire is unrolled continuously from a single storage coil.

Similarly, the welding step is followed by a step of cutting the toasting strip to the desired length.

The user of the machine can therefore at will choose the length of wire to manufacture, either for the realization of predetermined sections or for the production of rollers to industrialize.

As has been seen, the process is different depending on whether or not the shape of the forming drum comprises hollow portions. Thus, the forming by winding around a drum is carried out, when the outer wall of the drum comprises at least a concave portion and / or at least one recess, by a corresponding number of devices for pressing the wire against said wall portion external.

The manufacturing method according to the invention can be automated with the aid of an electronic central unit or a microcomputer equipped with peripheral devices enabling it to be adjusted by the user and responding to sensors marking the progress of the various steps taken. during the process.

More precisely, the sensors cooperate with the electric motors, and make it possible to know at any moment their speed and their position.

According to the method of the invention, it is possible for at least one wire to be fixed axially continuously on one of the faces of the mesh strip. Preferably, two or four son are thus fixed so as to follow the borders on one or both sides of the mesh strip.

At least a transverse portion of the mesh strip may also be pressed axially continuously, after welding the patterns together.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de la totalité de la machine de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté de ladite machine ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en élévation selon l'axe principal de la machine, dans la direction des flèches 3-3 de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la machine de l'invention dans la direction des flèches 4-4 de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe longitudinale de ladite machine dans la direction des flèches 5-5 de la figure 2 ;
• les figures 6A à 6D représentent différentes vues de la partie supérieure de la machine, surmontant la partie représentée en figure 5, notamment dans la direction des flèches 6-6 ;
• la figure 7 est une coupe transversale de la machine dans la direction des flèches 7-7 de la figure 3 ;
• les figures 8A à 8C représentent différentes vues (de face, de côté et de dessus) d'un dispositif de placage du fil dans des surfaces concaves de la paroi externe du tambour de formage ;
• les figures 9A à 9C représentent différentes vues (de face, de côté et de dessus) des dispositifs de dépose des spires sur la chaîne centrale ;
• les figures 10A à 10C représentent différentes vues (de face, de côté et de dessus) des dispositifs de dépose des spires sur les chaînes latérales ;
• les figures 11 A à 11 H montrent les trois étages de soudage de la machine de l'invention, ainsi que l'étage de sectionnement à chaque fois en vue de dessus et en vue de côté ;
• les figures 12A à 12C sont des représentations en vue de face, de côté et de dessus des plaques de glissement associées à la chaîne centrale ;
• les figures 13A et 13B représentent en vue de côté et de dessus la plaque de glissement associée à chaque chaîne latérale ;
• les figures 14A à 14D montrent un pousseur destiné à plaquer le fil métallique dans un renfoncement du tambour de formage ;
• les figures 15A à 15H représentent, en section, deux configurations possibles de tambour de formage, avec des volumes additionnels modifiant la configuration du tambour initial ;
• les figures 16A à 16H représentent d'autres types de tambour ;
• les figures 17A à 17H illustrent encore d'autres types de tambour ;
• la figure 18 est un schéma synoptique du contrôle automatisé de la fabrication ; et
• les figures 19-A1 à 19-N3 représentent, chacune pour un grillage basé sur un motif particulier, la forme du tambour, le nombre et la configuration des dispositifs de placage du fil contre le tambour, la configuration du grillage résultant, et éventuellement sa section transversale.

The invention will now be described in more detail, in particular with reference to the appended figures, for which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of the entire machine of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a side view of said machine;
• the figure 3 is an elevational view along the main axis of the machine, in the direction of arrows 3-3 of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a top view of the machine of the invention in the direction of the arrows 4-4 of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 5 is a longitudinal section of said machine in the direction of the arrows 5-5 of the figure 2 ;
• the Figures 6A to 6D represent different views of the upper part of the machine, overcoming the part shown in figure 5 , especially in the direction of arrows 6-6;
• the figure 7 is a cross section of the machine in the direction of the arrows 7-7 of the figure 3 ;
• the Figures 8A to 8C represent different views (front, side and top) of a wire plating device in concave surfaces of the outer wall of the forming drum;
• the Figures 9A to 9C represent different views (front, side and top) of devices for depositing turns on the central chain;
• the Figures 10A to 10C represent different views (front, side and top) of devices for removing turns on the side chains;
• the Figures 11A to 11H show the three welding stages of the machine of the invention, as well as the sectioning stage each time in top view and in side view;
• the Figures 12A to 12C are representations in front, side and top view of the sliding plates associated with the central chain;
• the Figures 13A and 13B show in side view and from above the sliding plate associated with each side chain;
• the Figures 14A to 14D show a pusher for pressing the wire into a recess of the forming drum;
• the Figures 15A to 15H represent, in section, two possible configurations of forming drum, with additional volumes modifying the configuration of the initial drum;
• the Figures 16A to 16H represent other types of drum;
• the Figures 17A to 17H still illustrate other types of drum;
• the figure 18 is a block diagram of automated control of manufacturing; and
• the Figures 19-A1 to 19-N3 represent, for each grilling based on a particular pattern, the shape of the drum, the number and the configuration of the devices for plating the wire against the drum, the configuration of the resulting grating, and possibly its cross-section.

Preliminarily, it should be noted that each figure does not contain all the numerical references of the elements that appear, so as not to overload unnecessarily said figures. However, given the complexity of the machine, each figure is intended to detail the explanation of a particular part of the machine, which then includes all the references necessary for the explanation.

With reference to the figure 1 , the wire (20) feeding the machine for producing a wire mesh is stored by winding on a coil (21), free to rotate in a support (22). At the output of the coil (21), the wire (20) passes firstly by a rectifier device (23) which aims to remove the possibly twisted or folded portions, then by two pulleys (25, 26) which guide it up to at the entrance to the machine itself. The upper portion it is covered by a cover (27), which is secured, as well as many other elements of the machine, to a referenced structure (24) forming the frame of the machine.

The toasting strip (100) is produced using a succession of a single pattern forming the basic structure of said screen (100), and which is repeated with a constant pitch shift. The toasting strip is therefore manufactured continuously by successive addition of the same pattern on a plane materialized by three endless chains (72), on which is placed each pattern forming the base of the grid (100). The driving speed of said chains (72), obtained by drive motors (69) synchronized to the production speed of each pattern, allows the determination of the pitch separating two successive patterns. The deposit of each basic pattern of the grilling is performed using worm (60) distributed around the vertical structure forming the machine manufacturing each pattern according to a method which will be explained in more detail below.

Downstream of this machine, and to fix the different patterns between them to achieve a grid (100) rigid, two welding bridges (89, 92) are arranged transversely to the mesh strip. A disconnecting device (97) follows the second welding bridge (92), and allows the cutting of the toasting strip into sections of predetermined lengths. A table (99) provided with transverse rollers (98) allows the handling of the toasting sections at the end of production. The two welding bridges (89, 92) and the disconnecting device (97) comprise at their respective inlet a tape holding device comprising two heads disposed on either side of said mesh strip. The upper heads (82, 85), visible on the figure 1 , cooperate with lower heads and with the welding heads, as will be described in more detail below.

Coils (102) of wire laterally arranged to add, on at least one side of the grid (100) being formed, son (101) which are attached to said mesh (100) in an axial direction.

These son (101), which develop longitudinally for example in the vicinity of the lateral edges of the mesh (100), may optionally strengthen the structure of the latter. They can be arranged, in the event that they are fixed on both sides of the mesh (100), vis-à-vis or offset. The change of direction of the wire (101) between its feed phase, during which it is substantially perpendicular to the scroll axis of the mesh (100), and its welding phase to the latter, is carried out in a known manner in itself, for example using pulleys (not shown).

The figure 2 broadly reflects the elements of the figure 1 , with a slightly more precise vision of the central body of the machine, configuration substantially vertical and arranged in the axis of the cover (27). The profile structure (24) supports almost all elements of this machine. The endless chains (72) revolve around toothed pinions (71) arranged at their longitudinal ends, one of which is directly driven by a motor (69). This figure shows the positioning, relative to the vertical configuration of the machine, devices (50) for pressing the wire into concave portions of the forming drum, as will be explained in more detail below. These devices, which already appear in figure 1 , are driven by motors (55) equipped with a position and speed sensor (56), and they are in particular provided with a portion (51) performing said plating.

These veneer devices also appear particularly clearly in figure 3 the motors (55) being separated from the active wing (50) by a reduction gear (54).

The winding device, whose operation will be seen in particular figure 7 , is driven by a motor (299) also appearing in figure 2 .

Still referring to the figure 3 this view shows the uncoiling drum (34), and its position relative to the worm (60) for depositing each turn on the endless chains (72). In this representation, the gearboxes (68) fitted to the drive motors (69) of said chains (72) are visible.

These reducers (68) are also visible in figure 4 , which also show that the drive motors (69) of the three endless chains (72) are equipped with position and speed sensors (70). This figure also illustrates that the central chain (72) is longer than the side chains (72), which stop downstream of the first welding bridge (89), while the first one stops downstream of the first welding bridge (89). second solder bridge (92).

This view from above shows a configuration in which four yarn-laying devices are installed, making it possible to obtain a grid as shown, each pattern of which is provided with four concave arches.

As will be seen in the following, the active part or wing (50) of these plating devices comprises two portions whose external fields constitute two arcs of different geometry, in continuity with one another, and whose one comprises guide rollers (52, 53) (see Figures 8A to 8C ).

It should be noted that in all the figures described so far, some parts of the structure (24) are removed to allow a better reading of the figure.

The figure 5 allows to get a better idea of the plane in which the grid is formed, plane which is materialized by the three endless chains (72) which are provided with teeth (73) allowing the training of the patterns when they are deposited by the worm gear devices (60). These are for example seven in number, distributed on the lower periphery of the machine for producing the turns forming the basic patterns of the grid, and they are preferably activated successively one after the other to allow the flat deposition. of each turn, which is in practice with an inclination relative to the formation plane of the mesh (100).

The Figures 6A and 6B show that the uncoiling drum (34) is provided with threads (36) for individualizing each turn (35). On each side of said threads (36), an external guide device (44) prevents said turns from being relaxed outwards. The Figures 6C and 6D specify the positioning and operation of each outer guide (44), in cooperation with an inner guide (43), said guides having a shape depending on the configuration of the turns obtained after winding on the forming drum. In this case, to obtain a basic pattern of the roasting as shown in FIG. figure 5 , it is necessary to add internal guides (43) forming an excrescence on each side of the cylindrical drum (34) uncoiling, at each thread (36) for individualizing the turns (35). The outer guides (44), housing the inner guides (43), therefore have a corresponding obvious. The internal guides (43) are in particular fixed to a plate (37) arranged under the uncoiling drum (34) (see figure 7 ).

The inner (43) and outer (44) guides are not arranged at the same level, to reflect the inclination of the threads (36). As it appears in Figure 6A , the motor of the winding device (device appearing in detail in figure 7 ) is connected to the latter via a gearbox (298), and is provided with a speed and position sensor (300). This winding device comprises in particular an outer pulley (31) allowing the winding of the wire around the forming drum (33), said pulley (31) being secured to a rotary plate (30), as this is shown more in detail in the cup of the figure 7 .

The angular position of the forming and unwinding assembly is modifiable (see Figure 6D ) so as to further increase the possibilities of reasons applicable to the grids of the invention.

The figure 7 shows clearly that the wire (20), after passing through the pulley (26), enters a hollow shaft (28) driven in rotation by the motor (299) by means of a worm shaft (270) driving in rotation a gear (271) keyed to said shaft (28) by means of a key (274). The rotary shaft (28) is kept free to rotate in the cover (27) by means of a ball bearing (273) held in the housing of a ring (272) itself attached to said cover (27). The same structure, comprising a ball bearing (276), its associated housing (275) and a fixing ring (277), allows the maintenance of the shaft in a lower plate of the cover (27).

At the outlet of the hollow shaft (28), a pulley (29) having the same axis of rotation as the pulley (26) makes it possible to redirect the wire in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft (28). ). Said wire (20) is then directed to an inclined pulley (31), disposed at the periphery of a rotary plate (30), and which allows the winding of the wire around a fixed drum (33). This drum (33) is the forming drum giving each turn the shape of the base pattern of the mesh.

This drum is supported by a plate (32) having a mechanical connection with the hollow shaft (28), which however does not communicate the rotary movement of the latter to said plate (32) due to the existence of the bearing ball (284).

It is nevertheless necessary to be able to vary the position or the horizontal angle of the forming drum (33), which is fixed relative to the hollow shaft (28) to the rotary plate (30) and to the guide pulley (31). ). Said drum (33) is therefore static although the shaft to which it is attached is rotatable, because of the existence of two intermediate gears. One of these intermediate gears (278) is connected to the frame of the winding machine (27), while the other intermediate gear (283) is connected to the rotary plate (32). They are connected by two satellite gears (279, 281). These satellites are secured to a sleeve (282) rotatable about a shaft (280), which is supported by the rotary plate (30) connected to the rotary hollow shaft (28), which allows the immobility of the drum ( 33).

Similarly, the lower plate (37) to which are fixed in particular the inner guides (43) having the exact shape of the protruding portions of each turn formed by the drum (33), is stationary although it is not fixed to the frame . It is also mechanically connected to one end of the hollow shaft (28), without moving or turning with it. This is because the same two-intermediate gear structure is used, one of the gears (286) being attached to the forming drum (33), while the other (291) is secured to said lower end plate (37). These two intermediate gears are connected by satellites (287, 290) arranged on either side of a sleeve (289) and rotating about an axis (288). This sleeve (289) is supported by the uncoiling drum (34), which is itself connected to the hollow shaft (28), which has the effect of leaving the plate (37) freely connected to the shaft hollow (28).

The intermediate gear (291) is connected to the central shaft via two ball bearings (292, 294), the latter being protected by a cover (295). The plate (37) itself is connected via a support (293) to the intermediate gear (291). It should be noted that the uncoiling drum (34) comprises a central stiffening plate (296).

On this figure 7 , also appear the helical threads (36) justifying the difference in processing levels of the wire between the inner guides (43) and external (44) located on either side of the central axis of the shaft (28).

At the forming drum (33), pusher devices (42), provided with springs reminding them in contact with the coils during winding, to prevent relaxation of the winding tension.

The Figures 8A to 8C describe accurately the devices for plating the wire against concave portions of the wall of the forming drum (33). It has already been described before the mechanical part for driving a wing (50) with two portions (50A, 50B) looking perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and whose edges have different geometries. The song (52) first is an ellipse portion, while the song (51) is an arc. The first city allows to initiate the curvature of the wire, by means of guide rollers (52, 53), to allow it to marry the concave surface of the drum (33). The arcuate edge portion (51) has a thicker lateral rim with a groove also for guiding the wire (20).

With reference to the figure 8A , the rotation of the device is carried out in the trigonometric direction, that is to say that the wire is first guided by the larger diameter roller (53), then by the smaller diameter rollers (52) which begin to push it inside the cavity of the outer wall of the drum (33), the field (51) ending the veneer perfectly matching the shape of the concavity.

The Figures 9A to 9C show the precise operation of the worm allowing to deposit each turn on the chain (72) provided teeth (73). Each of the worm shafts (60), provided with helical lips (61) is driven by a motor (64) at the output of which is a gear (63). Each motor also has a speed and position sensor (65). The helical thread (61) starts at the upper end, at the lower end of the uncoiling drum (33) (see figure 3 ) and ends at the bottom of a cavity of the chain (72) separating two teeth (73). In the example of Figures 9A to 9C , which involves the worm devices (60) located on either side of the central chain (72), the two motors rotate for example at the same time, but in the opposite direction. They therefore allow the coil to descend gradually to fit between two adjacent teeth (73) of the central chain (72). A guard (45) overcomes the teeth, but a passage is open with guides flared (47) to allow insertion of the coil (35) between two teeth (73) and between the two worm gear devices (60).

The same configuration, but for the side chains, appears in Figures 10A to 10C . Due to the inclination of the turn (35), the two worm gear devices appearing in figure 10A are shifted in a time-lagged manner from those mentioned in Figures 10A and in figure 9 . For the side chains (72), an upper protective band (46) with an L-shaped section makes it possible to hold each turn inside the teeth, said band (46) also having an opening between the two motors for insertion. each turn (35), with guides (47) flared.

The Figures 11A and 11B show the configuration of the first spot welding station (89) comprising an upper (90) and lower (91) welding head, the assembly being preceded by upper (82) and lower (83) integral holding jaws a respectively upper (81) and lower (84) holding head. The movement of these holding and welding heads is simultaneous, the upper heads (90, 81) and lower (91, 84) being secured to each other.

To achieve the most accurate maintenance possible, the upper holding jaw (82) has recessed reliefs in which male reliefs fitted to the lower jaw (83) fit, said reliefs having the at least partial shape of the meshes according to the intersection points to weld.

This is what appears in gray on the figure 11 B . This is the reason why the jaws (82, 83) are removable, and depend on the configuration of the basic patterns of the grid (100).

The same operation is reproduced at the second welding station, represented in Figures 11C and 11D which corresponds to the second transverse configuration of points of intersection of the grid (100). It is also possible to implement horizontal welding, as shown in FIG. figures 11 G and 11H, using heads (93, 94).

At the sectioning bridge (97), the operation is similar. Two respectively upper (95) and lower (96) sectioning heads move in contact with each other, together with upper (86) and lower (87) holding heads connected to a holding device ( 85) secured to the sectioning bridge (97).

It has been mentioned previously that the chains (72) have a limited extension, up to the first welding bridge (89) with respect to the side chains, and up to the second welding bridge (92) with respect to the central chain. Sliding plates (49), represented in Figures 12A to 12C , are provided on both sides of the end of the chain central (72) facilitating the routing of the grid output of said central chain (72). At the drive motor (69), it is connected to the toothed wheel (71) via a gearbox (68) and a connecting shaft (67). Such sliding plates (49) also exist in relation to the lateral chains (72), as is apparent from the Figures 13A and 13B .

The Figures 14A to 14D show the configuration of a pusher for plating the wire in recesses of the forming drum (33). These pushers comprise a head (58) whose end is configured according to said recesses, said head (58) being consequently removable. In the configuration of Figures 14A and 14B these heads (58) are fixed via a tool holder (59) on a shaft (57) provided with a rack, said rack being driven in rectilinear motion by a gear of a gearbox (66) disposed at the output of the motor drive (67). The latter also includes a displacement sensor (38) for programmably synchronizing the movement of the pusher (58) in the same manner as for yarn plating devices in concave surfaces as previously illustrated. The Figures 14C and 14D represent variants in which the driving of the head (58) is carried out respectively by a piston (67) and a linear motor (67).

The Figures 15A to 15D show a four-pointed star drum configuration (33A) with four concave surfaces. It is possible to fill these surfaces with additional volumes (41 A to 41 C) to produce different basic patterns of roasting from the same base drum (33A). The same goes for the structure illustrated in Figures 15E to 15H , of triangular shape (33B) with three concave surfaces. It should be noted that in this case also the additional filling volumes (41 A to 41 C) are applicable in different combinations.

The Figures 16A to 16D illustrate another possible configuration of the base drum (33C) with additional volumes (41 D to 41 F) particularly suitable for this new configuration. The base drum (33D) illustrated in figure 16E to 16H , having five concave portions divided into two groups of different arches, can be combined with the additional volumes (41 A to 41 C) appeared in the figure 15 .

Variant (33E) of Figures 17A to 17B , equipped with six concave portions also with two different arches, also accommodates additional volumes shown in figure 15 . Conversely, the configuration of base drums (33F) use additional volumes (41 E to 41 G) not yet mentioned. The particular configuration (33G) of the figure 17G practically circular, simply uses two additional volumes (41 G) in the shape of a half-moon.

• le moteur de bobinage (299) et reçoit des signaux via le capteur (300) ;
• les moteurs d'entraînement (55) des dispositifs de placage du fil dans des portions concaves, et reçoit des informations des capteurs (56) associés à ces moteurs ;
• les moteurs (64) contrôlant les vis sans fin déposant les spires sur les chaînes (72), et recevant des informations des capteurs (65) y associés ; et
• les moteurs d'entraînement (69) des chaînes (72), et reçoit des signaux des capteurs (70) qui y sont associés.

With reference to the figure 18 a synoptic diagram makes it possible to understand the automated management of the machine, either by means of a user-controlled microcomputer (76) which has a control interface (77) of a treatment program which sends and receives signals using a communication network (74) which controls:

• the winding motor (299) and receives signals via the sensor (300);
• the drive motors (55) of the wire plating devices in concave portions, and receive information from the sensors (56) associated with these motors;
• the motors (64) controlling the worms depositing the turns on the chains (72), and receiving information from the sensors (65) associated therewith; and
• the drive motors (69) of the chains (72), and receives signals from the sensors (70) associated therewith.

An electronic control card for the movements and synchronization of the system (75) allows the management of the assembly and comprises in particular a converter stage (78) of the signals and a control system (79) of the signals emanating from the various sensors arranged on the engines.

With reference to 19-A1 to 19-N3 many basic drum configurations have been illustrated, to which additional volumes have been added if necessary. In any case, if the configuration provided with the additional volumes requires the use of yarn-laying devices, either in concave portions or in recesses, these devices have been shown with their operating offset resulting from the speed of rotation. winding the wire. In parallel, for each figure, the grid (100) obtained is shown.

Without going into the details of each figure, it should be noted that, if we take the example of the figure 19-A1 , the base drum (33A) is combined with two additional volumes (41 B) forming on two of the sides a convex surface which does not require any additional plating device. In contrast, the remaining two concave surfaces require the operation of plating devices (50). These devices (50) are actuated one after the other, with a phase shift dependent on the rotational speed of the drive motor of the retractor device, and controlled by the aforementioned electronics.

The same goes for the figure 19-A2 , in which no additional volume (41 B) is provided, and which then requires four plating devices evolving in quadrature phase.

In the figure 19-B2 , the two additional volumes (41 C) comprise a central recess which requires the use of a pusher (57). The synchronization of the two devices (50) for plating the wire in a concave surface and the two pusher (57) is done in the same way, in phase quadrature, taking into account the technical particularities of the motors (55, 67) operating on the one hand the rotary devices, and on the other hand the devices in which the rotation is transformed into a rectilinear movement.

This last question does not arise for the representation of the figure 19-B3 wherein the four pusher (57) are actuated in quadrature phase.

In some cases, as in the figure 19-C2 four devices (50) applicable to concave surfaces and pushing devices (57) whose heads (58) are adapted to the additional volume (41 G) can be brought into play. The Figures 19-C5 and 19-C6 present alternative manufacturing of the mesh (100) appearing in figure 19-C1 , respectively with two and four pushers whose heads fulfill the same function as the plating devices. Finally, figure 19-C7 shows a manufacturing variant that does not require pushers or plating devices.

It should be noted that when dealing with a concave surface, it is also possible to use a pusher device (57), but with a head (58) as illustrated for example in FIG. figure 19-D4 , which embraces said concave surface, and performs the radial thrust plating.

All these figures show the very large number of variants that can be implemented using the machine of the invention, and the various devices that can be associated with it.

• en 19-N1, le tambour de formage (33) est pivoté d'un angle de X° ;
• en 19-N2, comme cela apparaît en section, à droite de la représentation du grillage (100), ce dernier a été embouti longitudinalement au voisinage de ses bordures ; et
• en 19-N3, des fils métalliques axiaux supplémentaires ont été ajoutés (voir section) le long des bordures, de part et d'autre du grillage.

The 19-A1 to 19-N3 represent, in particular, three additional possibilities of manufacturing and / or treating the screens (100):

• in 19-N1, the forming drum (33) is rotated by an angle of X °;
• in 19-N2, as it appears in section, to the right of the representation of the grid (100), the latter has been embossed longitudinally in the vicinity of its borders; and
• in 19-N3, additional axial wires were added (see section) along the edges, on both sides of the screen.

Of course, the invention as described, as well as the application examples shown are still only possible examples of the implementation of the invention, which is not limited to what has been described above. . Conversely, this invention encompasses all form, device and configuration variations within the scope of the claims, which are within the abilities of those skilled in the art.

Claims (52)

1. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of metal lattice by means of a single wire of flexible metal (20) supplying said machine continuously, said lattice being produced by repeating a same motif (35) of metal wire (20) in a plane, each motif being superposed on the preceding motif with an offset of constant pitch in the axial direction in which the strip of lattice (100) is produced,
   the said machine comprising:

   - a stage (21, 22) at which the metal wire is stored (20) ;

   - a stage (25, 26, 29, 31) at which the machine is continuously supplied with metal wire (20) ;

   - a shaping stage (33, 41) at which said wire (20) is configured in a succession of identical motifs (35) ;

   - a transfer stage (34, 60) for displacing each motif (35) of metal wire (20) successively towards the plane at which the strip of lattice (100) is formed;

   - a stage (72, 73) at which each motif (35) is retained in a plane and offset at a constant pitch before the subsequent motif arrives;

   - a stage (89, 92) at which the motifs (35) are affixed to one another;

   characterised in that the shaping stage comprises a shaping drum (33), retained in a fixed arrangement during the shaping process, around which the metal wire (20) is wound, mobile means (50, 57) for constraining the wire (20) so that it conforms to the shape of said drum (33) being provided at the periphery of the latter and the movement of said means (50, 57) being synchronised with the winding movement of the wire (20).
2. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that it has a device (97) for cutting the strip (100) of lattice disposed downstream of the means (89, 92) for affixing the motifs (35) to one another.
3. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stage at which the flexible metal wire (20) is stored consists of a reel (21) of wire freely rotating in a support (22) of said reel (21).
4. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stage for supplying the machine with metal wire (20) comprises, in succession:

   - means for straightening (23) the wire (20), designed to place it in a straight line,

   - at least one pulley (25, 26) for guiding the wire (20) towards

   - a rotary device (28, 30, 31) for winding around a drum (33).
5. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the shaping stage (33) is pivotable relative to the shaping axis.
6. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stage at which each motif (35) of the lattice is transferred consists of an unreeling drum (34), coaxial with the shaping drum (33), equipped with helical worms (36), and actuated by a rotating movement synchronised with the winding speed of the wire (20), which enables the turns (35) forming the motifs of the lattice to be separated.
7. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that devices (60) enabling each turn (35) to be deposited on the shaping plane of the lattice are disposed on the periphery of the unreeling drum (34), on a level with its end remote from the shaping drum (33), and the movement of these devices (60) is synchronised with that of said unreeling drum (34).
8. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stage for retaining each motif (35) in the shaping plane of the lattice and for offsetting it at a constant pitch before the subsequent motif (35) arrives in said plane consists of a plurality of endless belts (72) disposed parallel, driven at the same speed, which is synchronised with the speed at which the motifs (35) of metal wire (20) are shaped, and said belts (72) have teeth (73) at regular intervals enabling each motif (35) deposited on the plane which they form to be driven.
9. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means for affixing the motifs (35) of metal wire (20) to one another comprise at least one welding bridge (89, 92) disposed transversely to the axis along which the lattice is fed.
10. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one welding bridge (89, 92) applies a weld in the vertical direction and is preceded by a device (82, 83) which enables motifs (35) sharing a same cross-section to be retained in contact with one another.
11. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that at least one welding bridge (93, 94) applies a weld in the horizontal direction.
12. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 11, characterised in that the winding device comprises a hollow rotating shaft (28) through which the wire (20) passes after being guided by means of at least one pulley (26) orienting said wire (20) towards said shaft (28), the outlet of which is equipped with a pulley (29) reorienting the wire (20) in a radial direction towards an external winding pulley (31), the axis of which subtends an acute angle with the axis of rotation of the winding device, the circular displacement of which has a bigger radius than that of the winding drum (33).
13. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that said winding device is driven by an electric motor (299).
14. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the shaping drum (33) is disposed coaxially with the winding device, in the extension of the hollow shaft (28).
15. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that radial spring-biased rams (42) hold the wire (20) wound around the shaping drum (33).
16. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that if the drum (33) has at least one indented and/or concave surface, a corresponding number of devices (50, 57) designed to apply the wire (20) against said surface or surfaces is provided at the periphery of said drum (33), and the movement of this or these devices(s) (50, 57) is synchronised with the speed transmitted by the winding motor (299).
17. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the device (50) designed to apply the wire (20) against a concave surface causing it to assume the shape of an indented arc comprises a rotating element (50) with an axis of rotation parallel with the axis of the drum (33), equipped with a wing perpendicular (50A, 50B) to said axis, the external edge of which is provided with means (53, 52, 51) for guiding the metal wire (20), and has the contour of a section conforming to the shape of the concave surface.
18. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that said wing comprises two sections (50A, 50B), a first section (50B) with an elliptical external edge (52) provided with at least one guide roller (53) for the metal wire (20), and a second section (50A) with a contour continuing from the first forming an arc of a circle and having a lateral edge parallel with the axis of rotation, provided with a guide groove, and the element (50) for positioning the wire (20) is rotated so that the elliptical section penetrates the concave shape of the drum (33) first.
19. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the guide rollers (52, 53) with an elliptical section (50B) are provided in a plurality distributed across its edge, and a roller (53) with a bigger diameter is fitted on the end of said section (50B) penetrating the concave shape first.
20. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the device (57) designed to apply the wire in an indentation of the wall of the drum comprises a ram (57), the detachable head (58) of which has a shape which can be inserted in said indentation, said head (58) being mobile in translation, and the displacement is programmed so that it is synchronised with the winding speed.
21. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the ram (57) is controlled by a motor (67) actuating a rack via a gear (66) mounted on the shaft (57), at the end of which the head (58) is affixed.
22. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that the ram (57) is actuated by a piston (67) or a linear motor (67).
23. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 6 to 22, characterised in that at least one guide device for axially fixing the turns (33) forming the motifs of the lattice is placed along and in the extension of the unreeling drum (34), said guiding action being afforded by means of at least one internal guide (43) disposed facing an external guide (44), each pair of guides bounding a passage conforming to the shape of each turn (35) and disposed as a function of worms of the unreeling drum (34), in at least one point where the motif (35) has a projection towards the exterior.
24. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 7 to 23, characterised in that the devices (60) enabling the unreeled turns (35) to be deposited on the shaping plane of the lattice comprises endless screw shafts (60) disposed at regular intervals at the periphery and in the axial extension of the unreeling drum (34), said shafts (60) being driven by electric motors (64) synchronised so that they are actuated individually or in groups, namely in succession, and enable one turn (35) forming a motif of the lattice to be extracted after the other.
25. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 24, characterised in that the shaping plane of the lattice obtained by successively offsetting the motifs (35) comprises a central chain (72) and two lateral chains, equipped with teeth (73) for driving the motifs (35), said chains (72) being driven by motors (69) synchronised with each other and with the motors (64) of the endless screw devices (60).
26. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that said chains (72) have a guide strip (46) and a fixed rigid guard mounted above them.
27. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 25 and 26, characterised in that slide plates (49) are disposed underneath the lattice at the ends of the chains (72), which are distal with respect to the system of manufacturing the motifs of said lattice.
28. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 9 to 27, characterised in that there are two transverse welding bridges (89, 92) operating in a vertical direction, each preceded by a bridge for retaining the motifs (35) forming the lattice, each bridge being equipped with two heads (90, 91 ; 82, 83) disposed on either side of the lattice, each applying an action in the direction of the other head.
29. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that said heads (82, 83) of the retaining bridges are detachable and have male and female relief areas respectively which depend on the motifs (35) forming the lattice and enable an inter-penetration in order to place said motifs (35) in contact with one another in readiness for welding.
30. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the claims 28 and 29, characterised in that the welding bridges (89, 92) apply a spot weld to at least some of the intersections of the motifs (35) in a transverse direction, two times, corresponding to two transverse patterns of intersection of the motifs (35) forming the lattice.
31. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 9 to 27, characterised in that it has a welding bridge operating in a horizontal direction by means of at least a pair of extractable heads (93, 94) which can be inserted in the two successive meshes (35) of the lattice in the direction in which the latter is fed.
32. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of claims 25 to 31, characterised in that the lateral chains (72) extend as far as the first welding bridge (89), whereas the central chain (72) extends as far as the second welding bridge (92).
33. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shaping drum (33) has a main body (33), to which at least one additional volume (41) designed to modify a portion of its external shaping wall can be fixed.
34. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the additional volume (41) is configured so that it is inserted in at least a portion of concave surface of the wall of the drum (33) in order to define a new portion of flat or convex wall.
35. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in claim 33, characterised in that the additional volume (41) is configured so that it is inserted in at least one portion of concave surface of the wall of the drum (33) in order to define a new portion of wall incorporating an indentation.
36. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 35, characterised in that it has at least one reel (102) of wire disposed to the side of the shaping plane of the lattice, the wire (101) being directed towards a face of the strip (100) of lattice and re-oriented during feeding so as to be parallel with said feed direction, then fixed to the strip (100) of lattice.
37. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the reels (102) are two or four in number, in which case the wires (101) are directed respectively to one or the two faces of the strip (100) of lattice.
38. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a stage for axially shaping at least a transverse portion of the strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis.
39. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the shaping is effected along two transverse portions alongside the borders of the strip (100) of lattice.
40. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a central electronic unit (76) for managing the machine, the parameters of which can be controlled by means of peripheral devices (77) accessible to the user, and said central unit (76) processes the signals emitted by sensors (70, 300, 56, 65) indicating the instantaneous state of certain moving components of the machine.
41. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that said peripheral devices (77) accessible to the user comprise a monitor and a keyboard.
42. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the claims 40 and 41, characterised in that said central unit and peripheral devices form part of a micro-computer (76) containing a programme for managing the machine.
43. Machine for manufacturing a continuous strip (100) of lattice as claimed in one of the claims 40 to 42, characterised in that the sensors (300, 56, 65, 70) are applied to the various motors (299, 55, 64, 69) of the machine and provide information about their position and their speed at any instant.
44. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis by means of a single metal wire (20), including the following steps:

    - winding the metal wire (20) around a shaping drum (33) so that each turn (35) then constitutes an identical motif ;

    - separating the turns (35) in the direction of the axis of the shaping drum (33) ;

    - depositing the turns (35) on a shaping plane of the lattice (100) oriented perpendicular to said axis of the shaping drum (33) ;

    - continuously displacing said plane, in synchronisation with the speeds at which the turns (35) are wound, separated and deposited in order to create an offset between the turns (35) and form the succession of said repetitive patterns of the lattice ; and

    - welding at least some of the intersection points of said motifs (35) constituting the lattice (100) ;
    characterised in that it further includes the following steps:

    - retaining the shaping drum (33) in a fixed arrangement while the shaping stage is in process, involving the winding of the wire (20) around the drum (33) ;

    - constraining the wire (20) so that it conforms to the shape of said drum (33) by means of mobile constraining means (50, 57) located at the periphery of the drum ; and

    - synchronizing the movement of the constraining means (50, 57) with the winding movement of the wire (20) around the drum (33).
45. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that, prior to the winding step in readiness for shaping, the wire (20) is continuously unreeled from a storage reel (21).
46. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in one of the claims 44 and 45, characterised in that the welding step is followed by a step of cutting the strip of lattice (100) to the desired length.
47. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in one of the claims 44 to 46, characterised in that, if the external wall of the drum (33) has at least one concave portion and/or at least one indentation, the process of shaping by winding around a drum (33) is effected by means of a corresponding number of devices (50, 57) designed to apply the wire (20) against said portion of external wall.
48. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in one of the claims 44 to 47, characterised in that the running of the various steps is automated with the aid of an electronic central unit or a micro-processor (76) equipped with peripheral devices (77) enabling it to be controlled by the user and responding to sensors (300, 56, 65, 70) tracking the progress of the different steps implemented during the course of the method.
49. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in claim 48, characterised in that the sensors (300, 56, 65, 70) cooperate with the electric motors (299, 55, 64, 69), making it possible to ascertain their speed and their position at any instant.
50. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in one of the claims 44 to 49, characterised in that at least one metal wire (101) is axially affixed to one of the faces of the strip of lattice on a continuous basis.
51. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that two or four wires (101) are affixed extending alongside the borders on one or two faces of the strip of lattice (100).
52. Method of manufacturing a strip (100) of lattice on a continuous basis as claimed in one of the claims 44 to 51, characterised in that at least one transverse portion of the strip of lattice (100) is axially shaped on a continuous basis after the motifs (35) have been welded to one another.

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